The Uzi Fly Challenge: Biological Insights and Threats to Muga Silkworms

Abstract

This study aims to thoroughly investigate the biology of a significant endo-larval parasitoid of muga silkworms, Blepharipa sp. (Walker). The research was conducted both in the field, where muga silkworms were reared under net conditions with temperature, humidity and rainfall levels ranging from 13.48-26.73 77%-78.5% and 0mm-86mm and allowed to be infested by the uzi fly, and in the laboratory at room temperature and humidity. The findings revealed that the life cycle of Blepharipa sp. is completed in an average of 30 days for males and 33 days for females, with an incubation period of 2.40 days, a larval period of 6.20 days, a pupal period of 12.40 days, and adult longevity of 10.80 days for males and 12.00 days for females. Additional aspects such as peak infestation season and oviposition sites were also studied. The mortality rate due to uzi fly infestation was 100%, with worms dying either before the spinning stage or inside their cocoons, resulting in defective cocoons unsuitable for reeling. Given the severe economic losses and demotivation caused to farmers by this pest, a thorough understanding of its biology is of utmost importance.